You Can Take The Man Out Of Camp...But His Back Reminds Him Of Camp Bunks

Dear Mom and Dad,

Zach and I are home from a wonderful week in Oregon.  We're happy to be back but we are still talking about our fellow campers.

I'm glad to be back in civilization because I now have a good Internet signal and can share the excitement of camp with you in photos.

We stayed at an actual girl scout camp founded in 1924 outside of Sandy, Oregon.  Here's the sign that greets you when you enter the campgrounds.

Shhh...This is "Hollywood Magic".  The real name is of the place is Camp Namanu.

Here the guy that founded the camp.  His picture makes him look like a Scooby-Doo villain.

The first thing we did at camp was get some dinner.  The folks filming the pilot had great cooks on staff that gave us filling meals and plenty of snacks in the kitchen.  I know you were worried about my one food item request but it was granted by the camp counselors.  I had plenty of Diet Coke!  My request was rewarded with cases of the lovely drink available at all times since we were nowhere near a store.

The guy Zach is talking to is named "Porcupine" and he lives on the camp grounds.

After we ate dinner on the first night we made our way to our cabins.  The ride to the cabins, as well as the camp, took place at night so it was hard to tell where we were going and how far it was from the mess hall.  We got to our assigned cabins and here's how we were able to tell which building was our cabin after hours:

We were in the kids section of the camp with the "Pooh Bear" names.

The one piece of art/decoration on the cabin wall.

We quickly discovered the lack of reliable Internet and cell phone signals in the camp.  That's why I couldn't send you any photos before this letter.

It was time to explore the camp after we woke up the next morning.  It was interesting to put together buildings and distances in the daylight.

The exterior of our cabin.  We were the only cabin residents 5 of the 7 days of the camp session.

A structure in the meadows in the middle of the camp grounds AKA "A Thinking Spot".

Don't be fooled by the photo.  Too cold to swim!

The cabin belonging to Zach's character, Willy.

"The Wishing Rock" out in the woods.  I wished for world peace and a better Internet connection.

The first day was a table read of the script and scene rehearsals.  It was interesting to watch the cast bond as a unit so quickly.

Costume fitting.

Zach only had a couple of scenes on Monday morning so we rode into town that afternoon to try and get my Wi-Fi hot spot repaired.  Tuesday was a day off for him so we goofed around in camp during the morning.  We spent the afternoon in town at a local coffee shop so I could get some work done for clients.

This was posted at the coffee shop.  The phrase "Portland's French Troubadour" made me LOL.

Zach was on set working the rest of the week.  You'll be proud of me because I made a lot of new friends during the second half of the week.

I was the only person at camp with no assigned position for the pilot.  I was afraid that my award at the end of camp would be "Best Camper With No Purpose".  I pitched in wherever possible.  I helped set up tables in the mess hall, built tents for a night scene and collected and transported luggage on the final day of camp.

The entire week was fast and furious but it was fantastic to watch a group of people passionate about a project band together despite little sleep, a rapidly approaching end of shoot deadline, chilly weather conditions, late night scenes and various personality types.  The entire camp quickly bonded and worked together to further the dream of making "Camp Abercorn" a reality.

The crew trying to stay warm on the last night of shooting out at the lake,

One of the scenes involves the campers being in a lake at night.  Here is a "before and after" of Zach on the last couple of days of shooting:

Dry Scout.

Wet (but happy) Camper.

The cast and crew stayed up all night the final two nights of the shoot to make sure every scene was perfect.  I watched filming for a few hours the next to last night and then went into the production office to take care of some social media work for various clients.  That entire night (for me) can be summed up in these words: tamales, Oregon beer, wet actors, social media content creation, little sleep and a lot of laughs.

I've taken up enough of your time and I need to get back to work.  

Zach and I are ready to get back to camp to continue working on "Camp Abercorn".  The one change I'll make on the next trip?  Bringing a blow up air mattress for my back. I'm not exactly cut out for sleeping on bunks anymore!

Camp Abercorn - Ready To Go!

The IMDb page of my cabinmate at Camp Abercorn.

My Latest Letter From Camp Abercorn

Dear Mom and Dad,

We’ve had a lot of adventures so far and met so many people at Camp Abercorn.  The only downside to the camp is a lack of a decent internet signal.  It’s keeping me from sending you any photos with this letter.  I’ll show you the photos when I get to another location with decent Wi Fi.

The first night at camp was short because we got in so late in the evening.  “We” being Zach, myself and two of the other actors on the show.  Zach is the only teenager actually playing a teenager in the show.  The other “teens” are in their 20s.  They are all super nice to Zach but slightly older than him.

It wasn’t until Sunday morning that we got a good look at the camp grounds.  On Sunday, it looked green and lush and just like summer.  By Tuesday, the temps had dropped and the leaves had started changing colors.  Fall is now in the air.

The first full day in camp (Sunday) was nothing but a rehearsal day.  Zach practiced a scene where he announces a contest as well as a scene where he chases after another camper on a bike.  The bike scene is the first scene he shot on Monday.

Each cabin is equipped with 12 bunks.  Not beds.  Bunks.  Everyone was advised to bring sleeping bags to camp to use for extra warmth and sleeping comfort.  The cabins all have indoor plumbing.  The only non-bathroom lights in the place are in the living room as you enter the cabin.  The bedrooms have no lights or electricity so it’s definitely bed time when you go to your room at the end of the night. 

There are three places that get a decent cell phone signal at camp:

*The parking lot at the top of the hill (entrance to the camp)

*The meadow in the middle of the camp grounds

*The back parking lots by the cabins. 

The back parking lot is outside our cabin.  It’s really odd that the signal areas are all an equal distance from each other.  You’ll usually find a gathering of people in the lot walking around trying to find any spot where they can get two or more bars on their phones.

The other thing about camp is that it is an actual boy/girl scout camp.  There are no TV’s, no game rooms and no general stores to pick up any necessary items.  The main social activity at night is dinner in the dining hall.  It’s where everyone gathers to talk about the day and spend time together away from the set.  It gets dark around 7pm so once dinner is over, people head back to their cabins for the night.  There is no night “activity room”.  People either chat in their cabins or hang out in the dining hall before calling it a night.

It’s always exciting to meet new people.  We’ve met quite the group of characters here at camp:

*There are two guys that take care of the camp grounds.  The older one is Charles and he lives on the grounds.  The other one is Porcupine and he lives up to his name.  His is 19, has a pointy beard and likes to throw knives into logs.

*Jake is a volunteer that is involved with a local boy scout chapter.  I met him while he was preparing to trim some of the trees.  He told me all about the wonders of Oregon with a smile that made think he was recalling some horrible deeds he committed in the recent past.  He excused himself to go work in the woods.  The next time I saw him he was running from one part of the woods to the other like Forest Gump with the grin of a crazy person.  He was waving the tree trimmer in the air and whistling at the top of his lungs.

*The lack of a decent internet signal has caused me to go into town a few times.  My first trip was a drive to Portland to exchange my Wi Fi hot spot.  One of the show producers was heading there to pick up some equipment so I went along for the ride.  I was told by AT&T technical support that I could exchange the device at any retailer.  I found an AT&T corporate store in Portland and was told the best thing for me to do was to go back to the town closest to camp and make the exchange there (in case I still had problems it would be easier to get to that location).  I made it to the local store later in the day only to discover the store did not have a device they were willing to give me (long story about the inconvenient and unyielding policies of AT&T) but I could easily get one back in Portland.  This 4-hour adventure involved me, Zach, a production assistant, AT&T employees telling me it would break the laws of the company to exchange the device in store after 14 days of my owning the hot spot, the random discovery of a Blockbuster store that is still in operation, the fact that AT&T corporate employees are not able (or willing) to dictate policy to their store employees and the music of Radiohead serving as the soundtrack of a drive through the wilds of Oregon at night.

*The next trip into town was in a cab driven by Malcom.  He is best described as a silver haired cab driver who wears a leather jacket with sleeves he cut off by himself.  Other facts about Malcom include:

A. He performs marriages as a side job

B. He has been married multiple times

C. The celebrities he has met in his life are Robert Blake, Steve McQueen and John Denver

D. He is the owner and only employee of the cab company and is on call 24/7

E. He has not slept a full night in 5 years

F. He loves to drive people home from bars so he can spread the gospel to them late at night

G. He once had a neighbor who was convinced Malcom’s dog could speak racial slurs

H. His cab has a photo of a horse on the side of the vehicle

I think that’s enough from camp for today.  I don’t want to share everything at once.

Talk to you soon from Camp Abercorn - "Ready To Go!"

#campabercorn

My Favorite Camp Abercorn Camper

Getting Ready For Scout Camp

Dear Mom and Dad,

I'm almost ready to travel to scout camp.  The flight to Oregon is this Saturday!  I can't believe it's almost time to meet my new friends.

The name of the scout camp I get to attend this year!

It's certainly going to be a change of pace from the heat of the San Fernando Valley.  Looking at the 10-day forecast shows highs in the 60s-70s and lows in the 40s.  We'll be in the Pacific Northwest Temperate Rainforest.  It's been too long since I've attended school to know what all of those big words mean for global warming, the melting ice caps and the need for sunscreen at camp.  I did follow your advice and bought a poncho and a sleeping bag so Zach and I can stay warm at night.

It looks like a movie set but it's a real scout camp.

I've been told there will be Internet access which is good because the MLB playoffs start this weekend and I want to keep up with the games.  Plus, how will I know what's happening in civilization if I can't watch TMZ???

The interior of the cabins.

I know you worry about me and my sense of direction.  No need to worry because there will be plenty of people there helping to make the TV show.  In fact, here is a photo of them hanging out at the camp tree house.

The fear of ridicule from my fellow campers will keep me from getting lost.

Finally, we'll all be eating our meals together.  We've been told to expect delicious, but basic, meals which pretty much describes my personal cooking style.  I should have no problem keeping my stomach full.

I have to go pack now.  If you get a chance, please send a care package.  You know how much I love crackers, s'mores, craft beer and comic books.  I promise to be good and share with my fellow campers.

I'll write again soon and let you know how things are going at camp.  I'll also let you know about Zach's adventures filming the pilot episode!

Here at Camp Abercorn, adventure is in the air!

I'm Attending Camp Abercorn With This Guy!

How Do I Prepare For An Audition?

I've been struggling to come up with a topic for a new blog post.  I'm not lacking in material because there is plenty of news to share about "Camp Abercorn".  The problem is I can't share it/don't want to share it until I talk to the "Abercorn Guys" to see what I can and can't say about the production.

The topic for this post came to me at the Italian Feast of San Gennaro.  I was leaving Second City last night to make my way home.  My exciting Saturday night plans involved writing a batch of SEO articles that are due ASAP.  Dana is out of town for work and Zach was hitting a movie with his pals.  I was on my way to the truck when I stumbled across the Italian Feast.  I'm not about to turn down the chance to get a homemade meatball sub so I decided the SEO articles could wait an extra 30 minutes.

I was in line behind four aspiring actors discussing the audition process. (Please see my blog post on September 11th for an idea of how frequently this happens in Los Angeles.  (Click Here For The "Talkin Hollywood Biz" Post) 

The struggling actors were discussing how nervous they get during auditions.  Their conversation made me think about all the times Zach has auditioned and what goes into preparing for the (as Tim Gunn would say) "Make It Work" moment of being in front of the casting director.

Step One:

Most people think the first step in audition prep is studying your lines.  While this is certainly an important part of the audition process, I believe the first step is reading the character breakdown and studying why the character acts the way he does in the script.  You can call it "character motivation".  You can call it the "character breakdown".  You can even call it "getting in the head of the character".  However you decide to phrase it, the reasons behind the actions of a character helps you focus as you learn your lines.  Knowing the character motivation makes the lines come alive for an actor.  The lines stop being words on a page and become real for the performer. 

Step Two:

Now that you have the sides (the script) in hand you need to prepare your wardrobe.  Don't go to the audition "in character".  Casting directors will always warn you against going to an audition in full costume.  Dress appropriately for your age as well as the part but don't arrive dressed like a police officer or a football player (especially if the script has nothing to do with those characters because that would just be weird).  

Don't dress too trendy or in an outfit that makes it look like you're trying too hard to impress the decision makers.  They want to see your acting chops and not your fashion style.

Step Three:

Be prepared to be professional.

I realize this sounds like the most obvious piece of advice but many actors don't remember it during an audition.  Some simple actions that help you stand out as being professional include:

*Arrive early to the audition.  Being on time is the same as being late in the eyes of casting directors.

*Be polite during your audition.  Don't get mad if you're asked to cold read.  Don't go off script unless you're directed to improvise a scene.

*When asked if you're available on certain days for callbacks and/or shooting dates, don't answer "yes" unless you're certain that you're free on those dates.  A quick way to lose the backing of a producer or casting director is to not be available on days you've already told them would be "no problem".

Step Four:

Do as much research in advance before you enter the audition room.  Learn all you can about the project as well as the director and producers.  Googling the casting director can help you get a better idea of the types of projects he or she casts.  In turn, this will help you discover the types of actors the CD favors in the audition process.

Step Five:

The final step is not to worry if you don't book the job.  The failure to book a job could easily lead to the landing of another part.  Zach has scored a few roles due to casting directors remembering him from other auditions and bringing him in later for a different part.  Every audition is a chance to practice your craft in front of a new audience.  Practicing in front of the mirror or with the same family members can lead to your acting becoming predictable.  The chance to play a part in front of different people is invaluable.

I hope the steps outlined above help you with your personal audition prep time.  I'd also like to thank the unknown actors in line with me for the post inspiration.

Finally, I hope that one day all of you can enjoy as awesome a meatball sandwich as I had at the Italian Feast!

This Kid Has Been Known To Enjoy A Meatball Sub!

Ready For A Reality TV Roundup?

With the not so surprising news about the breakup of Mama June and Sugar Bear, I was reminded it's been too long since I featured a rundown of my favorite reality TV casting notices.

Here they are (in no particular order):

*Does your partner know you like to dress up in a superhero costume in your spare time?

*Are you a hardcore rapper who happens to be stone cold Caucasian?

*Do you wish you could be the next Rich Little?

*Have you ever wanted to spend the day with David Hasselhoff???

*Seeking couples who are also travel agents with dreams of owning their own personal jet for trips!

*Seeking pet detectives willing to do a "ride along" with various animals.

*What do you get when you put a gay male, a straight multiracial couple, three teenagers, two senior citizens, a goldfish and four dogs in the same estate?

*Feeling OC Housewives pretty but stuck wearing Valley Mom Jeans?

*Experience Rodeo Drive style on a Watts budget.

*Burned by the Kickstarter process?  Raise the money but fail at perks fulfillment?

*Are you known as the meanest umpire in your Little League system?

*We want to go behind the mask and find out what it's like to be a theme park mascot.

Congratulations if you fit any of these casting notices!  You could be the next big Reality TV star!

#realitytv #castingnotices #nextbigthing #hollywood #losangeles

The Reality Is That This Kid Is About To Shoot A TV Pilot

Everybody's Talkin' Show Business At Me

I've mentioned before the amount of people in this town that are trying to make it in show business. It seems each day is a front row seat to view actors, writers, directors, producers, etc. trying their best to make their dreams come true.

I decided to devote one work week to keeping track of each time I was involved in a conversation or witness to a conversation involving show business in any way, shape or form.

I didn't write down the names of the folks involved in the conversations so no names were changed in the making of this blog post.  

Here we go!

Monday:

***In line at 7-Eleven when two guys behind me launch into a conversation about how Netflix will soon own the rights to sporting events.

***Waiting at a red light and watching the two cars in front of me pass head shots and scripts between each other.

***Walking Doc when a homeless guy approaches me asking for money to eat as well as wanting my opinion about "Guardians of the Galaxy" being the new template for superhero movies.

Tuesday:

***Leaving the Burbank Airport when I see a guy on the street with a sign that says, "Honk if you'd like to cast me in your movie".

(AKA Burbank Airport)

***Zach's manager emails to make sure we're all coming to a red carpet event at The Grove in a few weeks.

***I stop by Starbucks for a smoothie and witness a couple acting out their breakup in one act play form for the crowd.

***I receive an update on Zach's shooting dates in Colorado in October.

***A customer at Ralph's lets everyone know his opinion of the lack of premiere dates on many of the fall TV billboards.

(I'm looking you in your one Eye CBS!)

Wednesday:

***I go to a business meeting at a bakery in Beverly Hills.  No one was reading the LA Times but four different tables were deep in conversations about box office numbers and contracts.
***I go outside to walk Doc and find a set of headshots left on the curb.  Did the actor lose them the night before in a drunken haze or did he decide to give up on his showbiz dreams?
***I get an email from the company that produces "Wipeout" promoting their next wave of programming.
***A guy at the gym asks me to spot him as he is working on his upper body to "wow the casting director community".

Thursday:
***I receive a text from one of the parents I met during the filming of "Marshall The Miracle Dog" wanting some advice about where to stay in Los Angeles for Pilot Season.

(Hello from Los Angeles. Wish you were here.)

***The cashier at Vons tells me he was in one of the party scenes of "Project X".  (FYI...I didn't ask him anything about the movie)
***Two guys walking down the street were discussing how much they enjoy being their own reps.  In other words...They don't have agents.
***I heard one lady tell her kid, "Mommy wants you to know that no matter how big she gets, she'll always have time to take you to the babysitter." (I'm not sure why but that is my favorite quote of the week)

Friday:
***The guy working at the gas station told another customer he was looking forward to finishing his screenplay about a guy working at a store and his buddy that works next door to him. (I believe it was already made as "Clerks")
***I walk out to my car to find a crazy guy screaming movie quotes at the top of his lungs.  After each quote he would ask "How am I doing?????"
***I get two random Facebook messages asking me the best way to find a better agent.

The grand total of "industry talk"?

I'd like to thank everyone for playing...Even though you weren't aware you were part of my experiment!

My Favorite Teen Dream Next Generation Actor.

Hollywood Housecleaning

We've spent the past week moving from our townhome of two years to our new townhome of two days.  The move has left little time for blogging.


I really need to be hanging some pictures right now. How about a quick update instead?


*Zach's "Camp Abercorn" project has been moved to October as the production company continues to work on location scouting.


*A bunch of his actor buddies helped us move to the new place.  They are all good kids but it's funny to watch them move stuff since they are "programmed" to look good at all times.  There is only so far they are willing to go before they start to worry about their "look".  Having said that, I couldn't have done the move without them.


*It only took Dana two years after moving to California but she finally lives in a place with a pool.


*Our new place has 16 townhomes and one odd rule:  All dogs have to enter and exit the building through the garage.  Doc can't figure out why he's not allowed to go through the front door.


*I was at the grocery store last night and heard two guys discussing their dream plan to reboot the "Fat Albert" character, "The Brown Hornet", as a super serious urban legend vigilante.  I'd love to be in the room for that pitch.


*I learned this week we have the ability to stuff three townhomes worth of stuff in one building.  It sure seemed that way as I carried our giant pile of belongings to my truck. 


*TV show production has cranked up and it's now "episodic season".  It's the time of year everyone auditions for roles on the new and returning shows.  Everyone wants their shot on a show.


*I now have the Dodgers Network on my new cable setup.  I finally escaped the 70% of Los Angeles residents that can't watch the games on a regular basis.  It only took me until the last month of the season.


*One other thought about "episodic season".  The parts up for grabs are both large and small.. The casting directors of the world are looking to fill parts for the rest of the season.  Recurring characters, recast characters, background players, etc.  It's might be more of a hectic season for casting directors than pilot season.


*Did I mention my knees still hurt from the move?


This Actor Is Off To Colorado In October.